The Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s foremost domestic intelligence agency, has confirmed the arrest of 20 individuals allegedly involved in a sophisticated cyber scheme to hack and manipulate results of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The arrests, made over the past two weeks during coordinated operations across multiple states, mark a significant step in the ongoing effort to secure Nigeria’s educational assessment infrastructure and uphold the integrity of national examinations.
In a statement released by the DSS on Friday, the agency disclosed that the suspects, including some believed to be affiliated with cybercrime syndicates, were apprehended following actionable intelligence. Preliminary investigations suggest the group exploited technical loopholes to illegally access and alter UTME results hosted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
According to the DSS, digital forensic evidence recovered from seized devices reveals that the suspects offered services to prospective university applicants, promising to upgrade scores in exchange for payments ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000. The suspects are currently in custody and assisting security agencies with further investigations.
“This operation underscores our resolve to protect national assets and uphold justice. Education is a cornerstone of our national development, and we will not tolerate any form of manipulation or sabotage,” the DSS spokesperson said.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in a separate statement, commended the DSS for its swift action and reaffirmed its commitment to data integrity and transparency. The Board also urged candidates and parents to remain vigilant and avoid patronizing fraudulent individuals or groups.